Blog

Bambi’s Navigation Skills

May 8, 2025

When Bambi arrived at sanctuary, she had a cataract in her left eye which caused blindness on that side. Over time, she developed a cataract in her right eye, which is impeding her vision even further. Though she gets eye drops every day to try to break up the cataracts and slow the progression, the reality is that she will have some sort of impairment for the rest of her life. Over time, she has begun to adapt to allow for the changes she’s experiencing. 

One of the things we’ve been noticing lately is that Bambi sometimes walks using her trunk to brush back and forth in front of her, similar to when a blind person uses a cane to detect things in their path. She’s sort of sweeping her trunk to make sure there’s nothing ahead of her. 

Lately, we haven’t seen her decreased vision impact her in a negative way emotionally. She initially seemed to lose a little bit of confidence when she started to see less, but we haven’t noticed that in Bambi lately. She still explores with Maia and Guillermina. (She’s still, at times, a grumpy auntie, but she can also be a sweet auntie when she is in the mood for Guille’s playfulness.) It’s impossible to know how much she sees at this point. Although she’s had a specialist ophthalmologist veterinarian do examinations and multiple tests, it’s impossible to tell exactly how little she is seeing. But her behaviors suggest that her vision is worse than it was 6 months ago. Watching her adapt to allow for these changes is promising and shows the degree of spunk that Bambi has when she faces challenges. 

P.S.: For those of you wondering if Bambi could possibly have surgery on her cataracts, she isn’t a good candidate for an operation. It would be dangerous to put an elephant of Bambi’s age and previous health concerns under anesthesia, which would be required. Additionally, the type of cataract she has falls apart very easily during attempted removal, so the surgery often isn’t successful. Overall, the risks don’t outweigh the benefits, especially since she’s adapting to her new circumstances.

Photo of Bambi and her long trunk

Post a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments(9)

  1. REPLY
    Sherry says
    May 8, 2025 at 2:27 pm

    Bless her heart. She will be blind and probably never understand why.
    I had a dog and he had cataracts in both eyes. I had just one removed so that he would be able to see. It cost me
    $2,000.00!! He also lost his hearing before he passed on, but he could still go for walks knew his way to the
    food and water bowls and to his bed.

  2. REPLY
    Wim says
    May 8, 2025 at 2:44 pm

    Dearest Bambi, you are the bravest to live your Sanctuary life with all ups and downs. Wish you many more years to come, in friendship and protection. 🤗🐘🌳

  3. REPLY
    Raven Black says
    May 8, 2025 at 3:55 pm

    No doubt Bambino will find her own stride!
    She has come so very far from that frightened babe hiding in the barn.
    I am sure the other girls wouldn’t leave her alone even in her darkness,
    (May even make their bonds stronger?)
    I have seen the bonds a beautiful sweetheart called Jokia at Elephant nature park, Thailand, has made with other elephants and is even an attentive nanny! All while being totally blind.

    Sending hugs and warmest of wishes. 💜 🐘

  4. REPLY
    Elizabeth says
    May 8, 2025 at 6:37 pm

    I’m sorry you are going through this sweet girl.

  5. REPLY
    Terry says
    May 8, 2025 at 6:51 pm

    In the grander scheme of things, she was blessed with an extra long trunk to help her along the way. I so wish there was some treatment to dissolve those cataracts for good!!! Nice to catch up about Bambi! Thank you.

  6. REPLY
    Maria José José Agostinho says
    May 8, 2025 at 7:11 pm

    Thank you for writing about her. I appreciate the messages. I am from Brazil, São Paulo, and Just lately had the pleasure to know more about SEB and the girls. You have made a big and beautiful impact in their lives and my life, too. Thank you!

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      May 8, 2025 at 7:25 pm

      Welcome to our family!

  7. REPLY
    Zoi Flores says
    May 8, 2025 at 8:19 pm

    Considering the circumstances, I’m happy to know Nambi is adapting to this impediment and her friendship with Guille and Maia continues. 💚🐘💚🐘💚🐘

  8. REPLY
    Patricia says
    May 9, 2025 at 12:26 am

    Oh, sweet Bambi, things can be rough for us old girls, huh? But you are a brave and beautiful champion. I send all my love and many prayers. 💖💖💖

Global Sanctuary for Elephants

  • PO Box 2426
  • Brentwood, TN 37024
  • (615) 435-9523

Stay connected with our herd

MISSION: Protecting, rescuing, and providing sanctuary for elephants worldwide.

Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt, public charity status (EIN 46-3564818) and all contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

© Global Sanctuary for Elephants. All Rights Reserved